Mine in planned highway's path could nix route

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- An old manganese mine could force planners to come up with a new route for a planned highway in Bartow County.

The defunct Dobbins Mine is in the path of the planned 411 Connector, a 6.3-mile highway which would give drivers a quicker route to Interstate 75.

The project has been opposed by the Rollins family, whose company includes the mine. The mine's historic value is one of the environmental issues they raised in an attempt to force an alternate route selection.

Federal officials recently decided the mine is eligible for listing as a historic site.

A report from the Keeper of the National Register says the area produced large quantities of manganese ore for manufacturing steel during the two World Wars.